News
7.May.2010. Crowds gathered in the evening sunshine outiside the Plough Hotel to find out the names of this year’s Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi. After a procession from the Wauchope Hall, lead by the retiring principals, Community Council chairman David Hutchinson announced that the honours were to go to Sam Torrance and Lesley Gillie.
Sam, 20 has lived in the village since he was 4 years old. He is currently studying geography and politics at Dundee University. His brother, Joe, was Bari Gadgi four years ago. Lesley, 21, works at Pelxus in Kelso and is studying to be an accountant. Her mother, Corinne was Bari Manushi 25 years ago and her father was, Stewart, was the Bari Gadgi 28 years ago.
Both new principal have been practising their horse-riding skills in preparation for the Stobs Stanes Ride-out on 16th June.
Retiring principals Jonathon Dixon and Lisa Young handed over their sash office to their successors and wished them well. Corinne Gillie and John Hogarth received silver jubilee medals in recognition of their service as Yetholm principals in 1985.
Sun Shines for Stob Stanes Rideout
16. June. 2010. Glorious weather greeted the crowds that turned out on Town Yetholm village green to see the riders setting off on the annual Stob Stanes Rideout. The Rideout is the highpoint of the Yetholm Festival, with visiting principals from other border towns. Under a blue sky, 127 riders paraded through the village before heading off into the hills to beat-the-bounds of Yetholm. After an exciting four hour ride over some of the highest local hills, the riders returned to Kirk Yetholm where Tom Tokely gave them the 'Welcome Home' speech.
The procession was led by this year's Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi, Sam Torrance and Lesley Gillie (left). This year's youngest rider award went to Katy McFadzean (aged 7); best-turned-out horse/rider under 16 went to Lauren Veitch; the over-16 award went to last year's Bari Manushi, Lisa Young. Gold medals were presented to the very first village principals to be known as 'Bari Gadgi' and 'Bari Manushi' - Edith Hazlewood (Young) and Jimmy Young.
Community Council Chairman David Hutchinson wound up proceedings by thanking Kelso Pipe Band (right) for leading the grand final procession into Kirk Yetholm. Thanks were also given to Douglas Gibson and Davie Shepherd (assisted by Euan Gibson, Shane Black, James Jeffrey & Paul Robson) without whose hard work the celebrations would not have been possible.
Kelso-Yetholm Ride 2010
24.07.10. Over 150 riders accompanied Kelso Laddie Murray Playfair as he made the annual ride to Yetholm. The Kelso Laddie was met by the Rev Ian Clark at Yetholm’s war memorial where, along with this year’s Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi, he paid his respects. The rider’s then made their way to the green where they were welcomed by Community Council chairman David Hutchinson and the Kelso Laddie was presented with a jagger by the Bari Gadgi.
In contrast to last year’s dismal weather, conditions were pleasant and dry, allowing many people to enjoy a picnic on Town Yetholm’s green. This year three traditional gypsy caravans joined the festivities, reminding us of Yetholm’s gypsy heritage. On Sunday many people of Yetholm-gypsy descent gathered on Kirk Yetholm green for a get-together.